Soy granular lecithin application. Where to buy lecithin? Emulsifier E476: soy lecithin in chocolate harm and benefit

Lecithin is positioned as a harmless food additive. Its unique properties speak of unequivocal benefits for the body. The substance is used today as an emulsifier, bioactive additive or antioxidant. Every consumer of industrial food is concerned about the effect of E322 on the body, so it will be interesting to read this article.

Description of additive E322

Origin of lecithin

A natural supplement intended for human consumption today is produced from vegetable sources, such as oils from soy, rapeseed, sunflower and other crops. In principle, it is acceptable to obtain lecithin from animal fat - such a production process is expensive, so modern food manufacturers exploit vegetable lecithins. Lecithin of industrial origin is called a by-product resulting from the refining of vegetable fat. Natural sources of lecithin are not only seeds and nuts with a high percentage of oils in the composition, but also fruits with a significant fat content, egg yolks, oily fish, dairy and meat products, as well as lard and offal.

What kind of food is E322 introduced into?

An emulsifier is artificially introduced into different types of confectionery products. For example, chocolates, cakes and cookies with sweets. In the composition of infant formulas, there is also E322. It has also been observed that bakery products, margarines and butter spreads also include lecithin. There are no rules that determine the amount of additive in the product, each manufacturer makes it arbitrarily. It was found that sometimes instead of the emulsifier E322, the food additive E476 is used, it is designated as animal lecithin, but this statement is not true.

Purpose of E322

The food industry uses lecithins to create new product properties. Fats in the presence of additives remain liquid for a long time due to the slowing down of their crystallization. During the baking of flour products, the products do not stick to the surface of the molds. Water, fats can form and maintain homogeneous emulsions. For common products, the shelf life is significantly increased - the additive counteracts oxidative processes in bread and confectionery. The E322 emulsifier facilitates the process of deep frying, this is expressed in minimal oil splashing.

Food supplement E322 (lecithin): subject to the reasonable use of products with the additive, there is no harm to health

Useful qualities of lecithin

The work of E322 at the cellular level

The complex positive effect on the body of e322 is expressed in the maintenance of vital organs and systems. It is lecithin that is part of the membranes of the cells of the human body. The membrane provides strength and timely renewal of the walls of each cell, regulates the movement of nutrients and removes metabolic products.

E322 and lung health

The surfactant, represented mainly by fats, that is, lecithin, creates the correct gas exchange in the lungs. Through the surfactant, there is an instantaneous transfer of oxygen into the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide.

The effect of the emulsifier on the nervous system

It has been found that the presence of lecithins in the body heals the nervous system, this can be seen in the increase in the productivity of the brain, cheerful state of health, good memory and the absence of depression.

The benefits of E322 for the liver and gallbladder

The human liver is half represented by phospholipids. Regeneration at the cellular level and the proper functioning of this organ imply a constant supply of lecithins. Lecithins, which are, in fact, fats, have a first-class choleretic potential, and this is an opportunity to prevent gallstone disease.

Maintain youth and control cholesterol

The pronounced antioxidant effect of lecithins causes the inhibition of dangerous free radicals that appear in the body from the consumption of certain foods or the negative effects of the environment. Pure lecithin improves blood composition, where the percentage of good cholesterol increases and the level of bad cholesterol decreases. This situation means protection against the development of atherosclerosis.

Providing the body with energy

With the help of lecithin, a person replenishes his energy reserve. Enrichment of the body with energy against the background of carbohydrate deficiency occurs due to lecithins. Fats contain 2 times more calories than carbohydrates, so life and activity become possible even in hunger mode. Also in the field of replenishing the vital energy of the body, another function of lecithins works: these substances, if necessary, support the creation of ATP molecules.

Possible harm of lecithin for humans

Experts only talk about the hypothetical harm of E322 to humans. The issue of the negative impact of lecithin on the body can only be considered if this substance is used in medicines. The preparations contain soy lecithin. It is believed that caution with lecithin tablets should be exercised with a tendency to allergies, pregnancy, disruptions in the endocrine system. Pharmacological products can cause side effects, you can find out about them in the attached instructions.

It is known that additives containing lecithin are effective against hormonal and nervous disorders, depression, sleep disorders, beriberi, sclerotic vascular lesions, skin diseases, and diabetes mellitus.

Lecithin, as you know, is a very important substance for the body that comes from eggs, poultry and livestock offal, as well as nuts and even some fruits and vegetables. Thanks to him, the brain and nervous system work correctly, a stable psycho-emotional background is formed. Lecithin is mandatory given to children to ensure the proper development of the body. However, is any lecithin useful? What about food additive E 322? Is there more harm or benefit in it?

Food supplement E 322: main characteristics

Soy or sunflower lecithin - this is what substance is served under the index "E 322" and is considered one of the oldest food additives. Her origin, which is important, is vegetable (organic). Its structure is a mixture of several fatty acids and a choline ester. In some sources, it may also be referred to as phospholipid E ​​322 (again due to composition) and phosphatide. To obtain this substance, vegetable oils are used:

• sunflower;
• rapeseed;
• pumpkin;
• soy.

Accordingly, what harm the additive E 322 will bring to the body and what benefits depends directly on the raw materials taken to create it. Some manufacturers also use animal raw materials, but this is an expensive product, so this practice is very rare. But in order to reduce the cost of food additives and, accordingly, save money, genetically modified raw materials can be used. It certainly goes through processing and purification, but it will still affect health. According to experts, it is impossible to find out exactly what lecithin was obtained from, therefore it is also impossible to accurately determine the degree of its harm.

Food additive E 322 acts as an antioxidant and emulsifier, combines water and fatty liquid substance into an emulsion, prevents their separation.

The classic type of industrial lecithin is crystals without organoleptic qualities, having a yellowish tint. Predominantly, the additive E 322 is introduced into cooking oils, especially margarine, as well as into chocolate, confectionery glaze and even bakery products. It can also be found in medicines (mainly dietary supplements) and in cosmetics.

It is rather difficult to understand the potential danger of lecithin, specially obtained for use in the food industry, since a lot depends on the raw materials. If you do not think about the possible use of genetically modified foods, as well as soybean and rapeseed oils (which will be discussed later), the potential benefits of the E322 food additive are reflected in the table most fully:

In addition to the mentioned properties of lecithin, it has several other positive qualities: it is necessary for the development of the fetus in the womb, regulates metabolic processes (mainly lipid and mineral metabolism), stimulates regeneration, and even helps with intestinal diseases. But at the same time, the E 322 food supplement itself is not advised to be taken during pregnancy: it is better to get lecithin from food. With exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatobiliary system, it is also undesirable.

The table of harm to food additive E322 requires special attention, but due solely to the raw materials from which it can be produced:

Experts also advise all consumers to remember that allergic reactions to lecithin are not excluded, manifested mainly by skin rash, nausea, and indigestion, especially if it is taken in large doses. Otherwise, it is a fairly safe substance.

Every year, food industry professionals come up with new ways to save on food production. I would like these measures not to be harmful to health, because we often see so many preservatives, dyes and flavor enhancers on the packages that we can’t talk about the naturalness of the product. One such additive is soy lecithin, used in the production of chocolate, margarine, baby food, and more. What is this substance, what effect does it have on the body and is there any benefit from the E 476 emulsifier?

What is soy lecithin?

Food additive E 467 (soy lecithin) belongs to the group of stabilizers and emulsifiers. It is used to give products the required density and more viscous consistency. The substance is obtained by processing vegetable oil extracted from castor seeds and fatty alcohol glycerol. In recent years, genetically modified (GMO) soybeans have been most likely used in the production of E 476. Soy lecithin is a dark yellow viscous oily liquid. In the literature, you can sometimes find another name for the substance - polyglycerol.

According to the Sanitary Rules and Regulations, in Russia, as in most European countries, this additive is allowed for use and recognized as safe for health.

Application of emulsifier E 476 and its properties

Usually E 476 is a cheaper analogue of vegetable lecithin (E 322) and serves as a thickener in the production of:

• chocolate and chocolate pastes;
• margarine;
• ice cream;
• mayonnaise, ready-made sauces;
• instant soups;
• pates, canned food;
• squash, eggplant caviar.

E 476 allows chocolate to be more plastic and evenly envelop the filling In margarine, soy lecithin plays the role of a stabilizer Often manufacturers add polyglycerin to mayonnaise, replacing some of the egg yolks with it Inexpensive pies also contain E 476 with a high degree of probability

In chocolate

In the production of chocolate, it is necessary to use a substance that increases its elasticity so that the delicacy takes the form of a tile, and if there is a filling, it evenly flows around it from all sides. A quality product must contain an exclusively natural emulsifier - cocoa bean butter, which is expensive. Therefore, to reduce the cost of the product, manufacturers began to add a cheaper substance - soy lecithin.

In baby food

Unfortunately, even milk formulas for feeding babies, cereals and canned purees cannot do without nutritional supplements. Most often, the safer and more natural lecithin E 322 acts as a thickener in such products, but in inexpensive products, when manufacturers want to save money, E 476 can also be found.

There are many studies, according to which genetically modified soy in the daily diet negatively affects the health of infants. The fact is that the product contains a large amount of phytoestrogens (plant analogues of female sex hormones), which negatively affect the baby's endocrine system. In addition, the food additive often causes cases of intolerance and allergies.

The way out is, if possible, to abandon artificial mixtures in favor of breastfeeding, and cook cereals and mashed potatoes yourself from natural and fresh products.

In cosmetics

Any cosmetic product - cream, shampoo or mask - according to its physical and chemical properties is an emulsion (a mixture of fatty particles and water). In order for the structure of this emulsion to be stable and the product itself to be homogeneous, it is necessary to add a stabilizer to it. For example, soy lecithin.

Cosmetics with E576 in the composition is inexpensive. As a rule, it is well tolerated, in some cases causing allergies.

What harm can the substance cause to the body?

Despite the fact that this food additive is approved by sanitary doctors and recognized as non-toxic, E 476 can be harmful to health.

During independent clinical studies, it was found that with regular subcutaneous administration of E 476 to laboratory animals, 3% of them experienced an increase in internal organs - the liver and kidneys. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.

Possible harms of soy lecithin include:

• metabolic disease;
• when used in the production process of GMO products - the effect on the hormonal background.

Children under 12, the elderly, and men (think of phytoestrogens) should reduce their intake of foods containing soy lecithin. It is better to choose such chocolate, sauces and canned food, which are made with the addition of a more harmless analogue of the additive - E 322.

Dietary Supplement Analogues That Benefit More

Common analogues of polyglycerol include:

• vegetable lecithin (E 322);
• Palm oil.

Lecithin E 322

Vegetable lecithin is a food supplement that is extracted from a mixture of vegetable oils. There is evidence that genetically modified products are also used in its production.

Natural vegetable lecithin (not from GMO products) is very useful for the body:

• improves interstitial metabolism;
• responsible for the youthfulness of the cells of the whole organism;
• regulates the breathing process;
• strengthens the nervous system;
• restores liver cells;
• is a source of energy.

E 476, as we found out, does not bring any benefit to the body.

But at the same time, the vegetable stabilizer often causes allergic reactions, and the use of genetically modified raw materials for its production, according to many scientists, can have long-term health consequences.

Palm oil

Palm oil is another well-known food additive that can be found in chocolate, baby food, and canned foods.

The beneficial properties of this substance include:

• high content of vitamin E;
• saturation with antioxidants.

Harmful qualities of palm oil:

• excess saturated fatty acids, which lead to obesity and increased blood cholesterol levels;
• a negative effect on the digestive system, which often leads to upset stools.

Any chemistry in the composition of food adversely affects health. Unfortunately, completely natural food is not often found on the shelves, so it will be useful to know the properties of the main nutritional supplements. Carefully read the information on the label and choose the lesser of two evils: it is better if, instead of the E 476 additive, the role of a stabilizer in chocolate, canned food and baby food is performed by more natural and healthy vegetable lecithin E 322.

Recently, more and more often on the pages of printed publications, and on television there are reports about soy lecithin. Today we will talk in more detail about soy lecithin, its use in products, the harm and benefits of it, which we will tell.

Soy lecithin is a flavoring and biologically active food additive. It is produced by low-temperature processing from refined soybean oil. It contains vitamins, oil, phospholipids. The beneficial properties of soy lecithin are little known to people. Therefore, both truthful and not entirely accurate rumors spread around him.

Soy lecithin or E322 is involved in the human body in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol. It has a lipotropic effect, helps to slow down the accumulation of fats in the liver and leads to their rapid combustion, has a pronounced choleretic effect. Lecithin inhibits the development and formation of gallstones.

Lecithin will also be indispensable for those who live in unfavorable areas, with an increased radioactive background. It promotes the removal of radionuclides and salts of heavy metals.

Soy lecithin, found in foods, helps people who are allergic to fatty proteins to get good nutrition.

People suffering from diseases such as cerebral atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, hypertension are shown products containing soy, as they reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, thereby preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Soy lecithin is recommended for overweight people and people with diabetes. It will also be indispensable for such diseases as cholecystitis, hepatosis, pancreatitis, chronic constipation, diseases of the musculoskeletal system: arthritis and arthrosis.

With the help of lecithin, the intake of vitamins and drugs in the human body is enhanced.

It turns out that soy lecithin is also used in cosmetology. Creams that contain it help the skin retain moisture, thereby preventing it from aging for a long time.

Soy lecithin is part of many dietary supplements used to treat and maintain the human body.

However, not everything is as simple and cloudless as it seems at first glance. Bioadditives can also cause unique harm to our body.

What harm does a person receive by consuming products containing soy lecithin for his body?

Soy lecithin has a depressing effect on the endocrine system of the body. Children are especially affected by this, often eating foods with it. It can cause allergies in young children, thyroid disease. Therefore, soy-containing foods should not be given to children under three years of age.

Soy lecithin accelerates the aging process of the body. Pregnant women should also limit their intake of soy products because they adversely affect the fetal brain and increase the risk of preterm birth.

In what products can we find soy lecithin?

First of all, these are oils that are part of many bakery products, chocolate, sweets, sausages, dumplings, fast food: hamburgers, meatballs, pancake fillings.

Recently, more and more often soy lecithin is included in margarines, light butter - spread, and other dairy products. Often he began to meet in children's milk nutrition.

Having learned about soy lecithin, everyone will draw certain conclusions for themselves. Undoubtedly, in small quantities soy lecithin is useful, but do not forget about its dangers. When buying a particular product in stores, carefully read its composition. Increased consumption of it in food can lead to serious diseases of the liver, thyroid gland, brain. As the saying goes, trust but verify!

Vital for the body lecithin: how it is used. The benefits and harms of soy lecithin for the health of children and adults

Lecithin plays an important role in the development of the human body.

Its optimal content in the body ensures the uninterrupted performance of protective functions and the ability to regenerate.

Experiencing a lack of lecithin, the body begins to age rapidly, is more susceptible to diseases and is less treatable.

Lecithin: composition and methods of application

The beneficial properties of lecithin for the body are due to the fact that thanks to it, the cells receive a sufficient amount of nutrients that are involved in the cellular processes of absolutely all internal organs.

Lecithin, which is an active dietary supplement, can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of tablets, capsules or flavored gel, which is intended for children. The composition of such a pharmaceutical preparation includes:

Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, D;

folic acid;

Omega 3 and omega 6;

Phosphatidylcholine;

Phosphatidylethanolamine;

Phosphatidylserine;

Phosphoric acid;

Inositol;

higher fatty acids;

Carbohydrates.

It is fair to say that this is far from the full composition of the drug. Soy lecithin, namely under this name, the drug is widely known, contains auxiliary fats and fatty acids, proteins and amino acids, sugars.

Without resorting to chemicals, healthy lecithin can be obtained by using foods such as:

Eggs (yolk);

Fish caviar;

Meat by-products;

Lentils;

Soya beans;

Nuts and seeds;

Cabbage of various varieties;

Vegetable oil.

The human liver is half composed of lecithin. With its normal functioning, she herself is a good producer of it. But over the years, subject to poor ecology, the use of alcohol, junk food and medicines, the liver loses this ability. In addition, digestive problems and intestinal slagging minimize the absorption of lecithin from food. Then comes the need for the use of pharmacy soy lecithin.

Lecithin: what are the benefits for the body?

A sufficient level of lecithin is extremely important for the body of any age. Indeed, thanks to him, absolutely all organs and systems remain in a healthy state as long as possible. In addition, the benefits of lecithin were noted during the treatment of ailments, in the prevention of a number of diseases, and even in getting rid of bad habits:

Liver repair - phospholipids restore liver cells, remove excess fat and protect, restoring its ability to perform its natural purpose of cleaning the blood of harmful toxins;

Prevention of gallstone disease - lecithin prevents the thickening of bile, which reduces the risk of accumulation of hard fatty deposits in the gallbladder and bile ducts. If cholelithiasis already exists, lecithin, along with the main treatment, will accelerate the breakdown of stones;

Prevention of atherosclerosis - lecithin deficiency is a good reason for the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood. Transforming into particles that are quite large for arteries and vessels, cholesterol sticks to their walls, causing obstruction and rupture, as a result. By increasing the level of useful lecithin in the body, a person reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Lecithin rapidly breaks down bad cholesterol and removes it;

Reducing the risk of heart attack - the amino acid L-carnitine, which is indispensable for muscle tissue, is produced in the body with the participation of lecithin phospholipids. It gives the muscles flexibility, strength and energy. This protects the heart muscle from premature weakening;

Prevention of diabetes mellitus and alleviation of the course of an existing disease - the pancreas produces natural insulin, which eliminates the risk of an increase in blood sugar in a healthy person, even with excessive consumption of carbohydrates. If diabetes is already present, then lecithin optimizes the production of pancreatic insulin. This helps reduce the need for blood sugar lowering medications;

Nervous system protection - with the help of healthy lecithin, myelin is produced, which forms a sheath of nerve fibers. Under myelin protection, the nerves regularly fire impulses. With age, lecithin intake must be increased to keep the nervous system functioning optimally;

Ensuring good lung function - under the influence of lecithin, surfactants are synthesized, on the basis of which a protective film of the lung alveoli is formed. This protects the lungs from toxins, prevents premature aging and reduces the risk of cancer;

Increasing the functioning of the reproductive system - choline and inositol, which are part of lecithin, actively dissolve cholesterol, which is the main component for the production of female and male sex hormones. This prolongs the reproductive age of a person and protects him from oncology of the genital organs.

Monitoring the level of lecithin entering the body is good for the health of someone who wants to get rid of tobacco addiction. The whole secret is that nicotine irritates the same receptors as acetylcholine found in lecithin. Under conditions of additional intake of soy lecithin, you can deceive the body at the physiological level and defeat a bad habit.

Lecithin: what is the harm to health?

Speaking about the dangers of lecithin, it should be remembered that soy is the raw material for its manufacture. And now it should be noted that it can be both a high-quality natural product and a genetically modified one. Lecithin from low-quality raw materials can cause unwanted changes in the human body, from allergies to dementia in old age.

Pregnant women should avoid GM soy lecithin. It can disrupt the development of the nervous system of the fetus and the formation of its brain.

The list of international food additives includes soy lecithin under the code E322. It is approved in the production of many food products. When purchasing a ready-made breakfast in a box or a packaged cupcake for tea in a store, you should familiarize yourself with the composition and avoid buying goods with low-quality components.

The harm of high-quality soy lecithin has not been proven. In addition, it should be remembered that the liver consists of half of it, and the brain by 30%. All organs and systems need useful lecithin.

Lecithin for children: useful or harmful?

Already the expectant mother should take care of a sufficient percentage of lecithin consumed, which is good for her health and for the development of the unborn baby. Already in the womb, it is important for a child to receive all the components that make up lecithin, which will ensure the correct and timely development of all systems of his body and the formation of organs.

In the first year of life, the baby develops motor-motor functions, reaction rate and immunity. During this period of his life, he receives lecithin from mother's milk and mixtures.

Further, at the age of three years, soy lecithin, as well as the one that comes with food, plays an important role in the emotional stability of the child, in the development of speech and the ability to adequately respond to environmental stimuli.

The older the child becomes, the more stress he feels on himself. He has to absorb huge amounts of information every day, perceive it correctly and designate for himself the most important thing, which he immediately puts into practice in the future.

On the basis of phosphatidylcholine, found in lecithin, and vitamin B5, the amino acid acetylcholine appears in the body. This is the most important neurotransmitter that makes a person focus on specific tasks and find non-standard solutions.

You can call into question the lack of lecithin if the child:

inattentive;

Distracted and forgetful;

Irritable;

Sleeping badly;

Often complains of headaches;

Has a poor appetite.

In this case, it will not be superfluous to visit a pediatrician in order to prescribe them a dose of lecithin that is useful for a growing body with the correct dosage.

The benefits of lecithin in cosmetology

Being a powerful agent that awakens their ability to regenerate in cells, lecithin prevents the appearance of wrinkles, smoothes existing fine wrinkles, and relieves irritation. In combination with vitamins A and E, the use of lecithin for cosmetic purposes is especially useful.

A regenerating mask with lecithin is usually used for aging skin. It is not necessary to buy it in specialized stores. This lecithin mask is easy to make at home. This will require:

Egg yolk - 2 pcs;

Glycerin - 6 ml;

Castor oil - 25 ml;

Carbolic acid - 10 ml;

Ammonia alcohol - 5 ml;

Lemon with zest - 1 pc;

Pantocrine - 1 tsp;

Folliculin 5000 units - 1 ampoule.

All ingredients should be mixed gently. In this case, the last four should be introduced into the mixture in the order given at the very end. Keep this mask on your face for 30 to 60 minutes. Then it is removed with a wet warm sponge along the massage lines. The general course of such daily procedures is up to 25 days. In this case, after two weeks, the result will be obvious. All kinds of age spots will whiten, the skin will take on a fresh healthy look. Tissue cells will restore their natural ability to retain moisture. Excessive oiliness of the skin will also cease to be a problem. The mask will regulate the work of the sebaceous glands. Thanks to this, the skin will become matte and clean. When preparing a regenerating face mask with beneficial lecithin at home, you can be completely sure of the quality of all the ingredients.

Soy lecithin harm or benefit for children?

All parents want their kids to get the very best. They want the child to grow up strong, healthy and, of course, smart. That is why mothers give their children a variety of fruits and vegetables, and also buy multivitamins. In the modern world, GMO products are gaining more and more popularity, the usefulness of which for a growing organism remains in question. Therefore, further we will talk about soy lecithin and all aspects of its effect on children's health.

Our peripheral nervous system consists of about 15% lecithin, and in the central nervous system, the share of this element is all 30%. It is the main component of the myelin layer, the sheath that protects nerve fibers and cells. From this we can conclude that this substance is simply necessary for the normal functional activity of the human central nervous system.

Even during the intrauterine development of the fetus, lecithin takes an active part in the formation of nerve tissues and the brain. The milk of a nursing mother contains about 100 times more of this substance than in all the cells of her body. Agree, this is a fairly weighty argument in his favor. The central nervous system, vitamin elements and lecithin are closely related to each other. This substance is responsible for memory, thinking and concentration, and it is these qualities that are very important for the development of every baby. Scientists emphasize the need for lecithin for the development of memorization and memory mechanisms, and it can also increase susceptibility, which is especially important for children who are difficult to learn.

Lecithin is actively used to restore nerve tissue, while unlike other drugs, it does not give side effects. The recommended amount of this substance per day directly depends on the general condition of the body, as well as on the intensity of the loads. So physical work or sports lead to the fact that lecithin enters the muscles, thereby increasing strength and endurance. Deficiency of this substance can cause thinning of the myelin sheath, the appearance of irritability and malfunction of the nervous system.

In premature babies, this substance significantly increases the chances of survival. It prevents loss of vision due to retinopathy, in addition, it is the prevention of respiratory disorders.

Another important property of this substance, which proves its usefulness for a growing organism, is that it promotes the absorption of vitamins such as K, E, A and D. In addition, lecithin ensures the correct metabolism of fats and stimulates the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.

These properties are very important, since a deficiency, for example, of vitamin A causes a delay in development and growth, and a lack of vitamin E causes malnutrition (low body weight), vitamin D prevents rickets from developing, and vitamin K is simply necessary for connective and bone tissues.

In terms of chemistry, lecithin consists of 98% phospholipids, among them approximately equal proportions of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, as well as slightly more linoleic and linolenic acids. A deficiency of linolenic acid leads to growth retardation, and a lack of linoleic acid causes hair loss and deterioration of the epidermis.

Soy lecithin is very important for the normal functional activity of the liver, as it is an integral part of this organ. This substance helps to transfer fats from liver cells and normalizes the bile consistency.

A healthy person needs five to seven grams of lecithin per day.

Soy lecithin occupies an important place in the composition of biological membranes, it also contributes to the production of energy, and this is very important in childhood. Pay attention to your child, it seems that he does not stay in one place for a second: he jumps, runs and learns the world around him. And soy lecithin will help energize the growing body.

Soy has been discussed for quite a long period of time, and it is almost inseparable from the concept of GMOs, but in fact this is not entirely true. Despite the fact that this particular plant is a frequent participant in various experiments on genetic modification, it does not mean that lecithin based on it can carry some potential danger. For its manufacture, soybean oil is used, which undergoes thorough purification and filtration before that. At the same time, scientists have proven that lecithins of plant origin are much more effective than those of animal nature.

It is also important to take into account the fact that soy lecithin also has its drawbacks, since its excessive amount can depress the endocrine system of our body, and for children this can be fraught with very unpleasant consequences. In addition, it can cause allergic reactions and lead to thyroid disease. That is why doctors do not recommend giving it to babies under the age of three.

In fact, lecithin is found not only in soy, but also in other products: cereals, egg yolks, fish and brewer's yeast.

If you are thinking about introducing soy lecithin into your child's diet, think again about the pros and cons of such an intake. Be sure to consult with a qualified doctor and follow his recommendations. Buy drugs only in trusted pharmacies, choosing well-known manufacturers, check the characteristics of the selected product on the Internet or from a pharmacist.

There are quite a lot of products that are used today as food additives, in order to enhance taste or reduce production costs. Some of the most commonly used names are soy lecithin and palm oil. On the basis of these two ingredients, which are part of many products on store shelves, many copies have long been broken. However, the question still remains open, which is more useful - soy lecithin or palm oil.

Biological food additives have a different degree of significance. But for the most part, they are all used in order to make the production of products cheaper. However, it is still impossible to violate a number of requirements in the manufacture of certain food products, so manufacturers come up with how to make its production more profitable without worsening the nutritional value of the product.

soy lecithin

Soy lecithin is a flavoring biological food additive, which is produced from refined soybean oil by low-temperature processing. Due to the fact that the oil is refined, ordinary people usually conclude that it becomes unhealthy. However, experts claim that this opinion is erroneous, and soybean oil perfectly preserves both vitamins, the oil itself, and phospholipids.

The benefit of soy lecithin is that it is actively involved in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, which means it neutralizes the harm of fatty foods. At the same time, it also inhibits the development of stones in the gallbladder.

Soy lecithin is often prescribed to people living in areas with a high radioactive background. This is due to the fact that it perfectly removes salts of heavy metals.

Soy lecithin is also good for those who suffer from intolerance to animal fats and various allergic reactions. However, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. There are a number of situations where soy lecithin has a very negative effect on the human body.

For example, this product has a very negative effect on the action of the endocrine system. Lecithin depresses her. Its effect is especially strong on the children's nervous system. Therefore, children under 3 years of age the use of soy lecithin is contraindicated.

Pregnant women should also refrain from consuming soy lecithin, because. this has a rather negative effect on the development of the fetal brain. Often this can even lead to a miscarriage.

To avoid problems, you should be very clear about where you can find soy lecithin. It is commonly added in the manufacture of baked goods, chocolate, sausages, dumplings and fast food products.

Palm oil

Palm oil, like lecithin, is used in confectionery. It is ideal for products that require long-term storage. However, nutritionists are increasingly talking about its harm to human health.

Palm oil is now used in the manufacture of such popular food products as condensed milk, sweets, cookies, chocolate spread, instant noodles, chips, croutons, crackers, etc. Those who have a particularly keen sense of smell claim that palm oil gives the products an interesting flavor note.

It is worth remembering that palm oil is a product containing saturated fats, the main distinguishing feature of which is long-term storage. But this is precisely the main danger of palm oil. Fats provoke an increase in blood cholesterol levels and lead to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart disease, etc.

At the same time, palm oil has the ability to enhance the taste of the product, as a result of which a person wants to eat it again and again.

At this point, when you begin to develop an addiction to a product to which palm oil is added, it is worth remembering that this oil is also used to lubricate metallurgical equipment, and your appetite will disappear.

Once in the human body, palm oil does not dissolve, but remains in the stomach in the form of a warm, sticky mass that sticks to everything around. During heat treatment, this product turns into a dangerous carcinogen. Scientists have proven that there are no beneficial substances in palm oil at all.

It turns out that it is impossible to call either one or the other additive useful. However, when compared, palm oil noticeably loses to soy lecithin. But try not to overdo it with its use. Let everything be in moderation.

Lecithin. Benefit and harm

Lecithin is a fat-like organic substance, which is a complex of phospholipids. It is, without exaggeration, fuel for the human body. It is the building material for cell membranes. Strengthens the nervous system, indispensable for the liver and brain. Lecithin also helps to establish lipid metabolism in the human body, normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood. Indications for the use of this drug are very wide. It is necessary both for the development of a growing organism, and for maintaining the health of people of mature age.

Lecithin for Liver Health

This drug is the best friend of the liver. A greater amount of lecithin in our body is found in this organ - 65% of the total. Therefore, the drug lecithin is prescribed for any pathologies of the liver - hepatitis, fatty liver, intoxication, cirrhosis.

With alcohol intoxication, lecithin will also support liver health and reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (hangover). It activates the body's ability to resist toxins and stimulates the production of bile, provokes active regeneration (recovery) of liver cells. Although drinkers need to treat not the liver, but the head.

In addition, lecithin is a strong antioxidant that can remove toxins from the body.

Lecithin against cholesterol

Since cholesterol is found in the same products as lecithin, the benefits and harms of eating such products seem to be balanced. Lecithin keeps cholesterol in a dissolved form and, accordingly, prevents its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. Lecithin additionally entering the body helps to eliminate cholesterol that has already begun to be deposited, reducing its overall level by 15–20 percent.

In addition, lecithin activates the work of enzymes for the breakdown of fats, stabilizes fat metabolism, promotes better absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Phospholipids activate blood microcirculation in the body. Therefore, lecithin, with virtually no side effects, is indispensable for the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis. It is also prescribed for patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes.

For little geniuses

Lecithin is necessary for a child from the first days of life - primarily for the formation and development of the central nervous system. When breastfeeding, the baby receives lecithin with mother's milk. If, for some reason, natural feeding is impossible, the lecithin deficiency must be eliminated additionally.

It is especially important for the baby to receive his mandatory daily dose of lecithin in the first year of life. Recent studies at Columbia University have shown that the amount of lecithin received in the first 12 months of a baby's life determines the amount of memory in the future, as well as the resistance of memory to age-related changes. And this means successful studies at school, interesting projects at the university and a worthy career.

Also, the children's body is especially vulnerable to a lack of lecithin during times of stress. The first serious experiences begin during the period of adaptation, first in kindergarten, then at school. About first-graders a separate conversation. During this period, lecithin is simply needed. It stimulates brain activity, reduces fatigue. Improves memory, attention, increases stress resistance.

For schoolchildren, lecithin in the form of a gel is best suited. It is not associated with pills in a child, on the contrary, manufacturers make it taste good, with a fruity smell. Another option is lecithin in soluble capsules. Children rarely refuse a vitamin drink. Most often, children's lecithin also contains a complex of vitamins necessary for a growing body.

And for the lovely ladies

Lecithin is beneficial for everyone, but women's health especially depends on this unique complex of phospholipids. And the most important thing is the healing effect of lecithin on the nervous system.

17% of nerve fibers consist of lecithin - it cannot be compared with the liver, but the percentage is serious. The slightest lecithin deficiency in the body - and now insomnia, tearfulness, irritability, up to full-fledged nervous breakdowns. And since stress is the most constant companion of a woman's life (nagging boss, annoying colleagues, family affairs, growing children, worries about the budget), one cannot do without lecithin supplementation. It perfectly helps to strengthen the nerves and successfully resist stress.

Doctors often prescribe lecithin to their patients for the prevention and as part of the complex therapy of various female diseases: mastopathy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids - up to uterine cancer. Lecithin helps to even out the menstrual cycle, alleviates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Therefore, its reception is a complete prevention of diseases of the female genital area.

For female beauty, lecithin is also indispensable - for a reason, world cosmetic brands actively include it in the composition of cosmetic products. Phosphatidylcholine - the active substance in lecithin - smoothes the skin of the face, making it soft and tender. It also helps to relieve inflammation, allergic rashes, remove excess fat and restore freshness to the face.

And the best part: lecithin provides a full-fledged metabolism and helps control weight.

Versatile, efficient, safe

Reception of lecithin is effective in many diseases, as well as in order to prevent them. For example, with physical and psycho-emotional stress, constant stress, taking lecithin will help improve the general condition of the body and the nervous system.

Lecithin is able to protect the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract from harmful effects. Therefore, its reception is indicated for people suffering from gastritis, colitis and peptic ulcer.

With psoriasis and dermatitis, taking lecithin will significantly reduce unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, it is often used in the complex treatment of skin diseases.

Another magical property of lecithin is the ability to normalize blood sugar levels. It strengthens the membranes of pancreatic cells, in particular beta cells, which are responsible for the production of insulin. Thus, in type 1 diabetes mellitus, lecithin reduces external insulin demand. In type 2 diabetes, it compensates for the lack of phospholipids and essential fatty acids.

Lecithin is also indispensable for the brain. It has been proven that regular intake of lecithin can stop multiple sclerosis (the breakdown of the myelin sheath of the brain), improve brain activity in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's syndrome.

Such diverse and wide indications for the use of lecithin are explained very simply - it is contained in the cells of all body systems. However, it does not have any serious side effects.

How does the body react to a lack of lecithin?

The nervous system is the first to suffer from a lack of lecithin. Memory disorder, constant mood swings, decreased attention, insomnia - these are the main symptoms of lecithin deficiency in the body.

In addition, if the lecithin supplied with food is not enough for a person, indigestion begins - rejection of fatty foods, frequent diarrhea and bloating. The work of the liver and kidneys is disrupted.

Arterial pressure may rise, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and blood vessels, as well as joints progress.

If the body regularly receives less of its vital lecithin, a person’s risk of chronic diseases is seriously increased:

• hypertension and coronary heart disease;
• atherosclerosis (since there is no lecithin, there is no one to control bad cholesterol);
• ulcer - gastric and 12 duodenal ulcer;
• cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis.

Early osteoporosis, constant irritability, nervous breakdowns - all these are the consequences of a lack of lecithin. The skin also suffers from a deficiency of beneficial phospholipids. Psoriasis, allergic rashes, food dermatitis can also be triggered by malnutrition without the right amount of lecithin.

Natural Sources of Lecithin

The name of the substance comes from the Greek "lekithos", which means "egg yolk". Accordingly, there is a sufficient amount of lecithin in eggs, as well as in foods containing a large amount of fat - beef or chicken liver, seeds and nuts, fish, sunflower oil and meat.

One of the leaders in the content of lecithin is walnut flour. This "floury" delicacy is a real storehouse of healthy fats that energize us, help to resist stress and keep a sharp mind. Nut flour can be added to cottage cheese, morning porridge or vegetable salad (if you are on a diet), cook cookies and muffins from it (for an incorrigible sweet tooth).

Some vegetables and fruits also contain lecithin. So, a lot of lecithin in legumes, in particular soy. The raw materials for the production of industrial lecithin are most often just soybean oil, soybeans and products of its processing. Rich in lecithin phospholipids and fatty fruits - avocado and Asian durian. And in our beds, in addition to peas with beans, carrots, green salad and white cabbage will provide you with lecithin.

Lecithin as a dietary supplement

Nutritional supplements are an inevitable nightmare for every person. We are constantly looking on the Web for tables with useful and harmful additives, we learn dangerous numbers under the E code by heart, we persistently read the contents of packages in stores, looking for insidious chemicals. And here is the irony of fate - one of the most popular food additives is soy lecithin, the beneficial properties of which have long been beyond doubt.

You can meet soy lecithin in a variety of factory products that have become an integral part of our lives:

• margarines, butter and vegetable oils, spreads;
• almost all confectionery products (sweets, cookies, waffles, chewing sweets, etc.);
• bread and bakery desserts (buns, cakes, cupcakes, especially with cream);
• mixtures for baby food (starting from the first months of life).

So what is a "soy lecithin" dietary supplement, a necessary and useful component, or a potentially harmful preservative? Let's start with the fact that lecithin phospholipids are the very ingredient that makes the usual treats the way we love them. They prevent fats from crystallizing (very important for baking with soft cream), increase the shelf life of floury sweets, and also make cupcakes, cakes and cookies easily move away from the mold during baking.

This additive is officially allowed in many countries, including those who especially strictly monitor the quality and benefits of products - in the USA, Australia, the European Union and Russia. Lecithin is considered not only harmless, but also a useful addition to products, and painstaking scientific research is still ongoing. Just in case, not to miss a potential danger.

The only question here is about soy lecithin, which is often made from genetically modified soybeans. This is the next paragraph.

Where to buy lecithin?

Lecithin is commercially produced either from soybean oil or from sunflower seeds. Given that soy is often genetically modified, we would recommend using lecithin, which is produced from sunflower seeds, which, in principle, have not been genetically modified.

Of the manufacturers known to us, we can recommend you the products of the Nash Lecithin company - this is a domestic manufacturer, they have been operating since 2001, their products are available in many pharmacies and online stores and, most importantly, their lecithin is 100% from sunflower seeds. If we are not mistaken, this is almost the only company that produces lecithin only from sunflower seeds, the rest also use soy. Check out their website:

How to use?

Lecithin is included in various vitamin complexes, and is also produced as an independent preparation in the form of capsules, gels, granules, tablets, liquids. In liquid form, lecithin can even be mixed with food before consumption.

The daily dose of lecithin is 5-6 grams for an adult and 1-4 grams for a child. This is not counting the lecithin that we can get from food. It is usually consumed before or during meals three times a day. The course of treatment (prevention) averages at least three months, but can be continued for longer, up to several years.

The final dosage and duration of administration is determined by the doctor.

With all the variety of lecithin forms, lecithin in granules remains the most popular and in demand among buyers. An important advantage of such healing phospholipids: in this case, it is very easy to trace the quality and suitability of lecithin.

If the medicinal supplement is not properly stored (or expired), the taste of lecithin changes greatly, it becomes rancid, like real fat. If you swallow such a capsule, you will not feel a dirty trick, and you will immediately feel the dubious taste of granular lecithin.

In lecithin granules, it is also captivating that such an additive can be taken in different ways (as well as liquid lecithin). You can simply eat it with spoons in the required dosage, washed down with water or juice, or you can add it to your favorite food. Almost any dish will do - it is allowed to mix lecithin into porridge, muesli, cottage cheese and yogurt, sprinkle salads, and its benefits will not suffer at all.

There are few contraindications, but they are

To whom is lecithin contraindicated? Instructions for use states that the drug should not be used only in the presence of individual intolerance. The problem is that allergies to lecithin are quite common. Therefore, if you are prone to allergic reactions, try not to miss the first signs and stop taking the drug.

Peanut halva benefit and harm

Under the code designation E322, a food additive is hidden - soy lecithin. By and large, relatively harmless (in any case, its harm has not yet been proven). Soy lecithin is obtained from soybean oil, purified, filtered, and extracted at low temperatures. E322 is used as an emulsifier (an additive that allows you to obtain a homogeneous mass from components that do not mix well with each other; an example is water and oil) and (does not allow products to deteriorate during prolonged contact with atmospheric oxygen). The scope of soy lecithin is wide, if not immense:

• food production - chocolate, mayonnaise, some fermented milk products, muffins, crackers, bakery products, margarine;
• paint and varnish production - a component of oil paints and fatty solvents;
• in cosmetics - creams, lotions, masks, shampoos, lip balms, etc.;
• in the production of fertilizers and pesticides;
• pharmacology - used in the production of certain drugs, as well as an independent biologically active food supplement.

Harmful or not E322?

E322, or soy lecithin, is a permitted additive in many countries of the world (Russia, EU countries, USA). It is also used in medicine, for the treatment and prevention of a whole range of diseases:

• with diabetes and pancreatitis - to improve the functioning of the pancreas;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• for the treatment and prevention of chronic liver diseases;
• diseases of the joints and spine;
• gynecological diseases.

Such widespread use of lecithin is due to its main components - phospholipids. These are fat-like substances that are necessary for the formation of shells of animal cells - cell membranes. Lecithin is also produced in our body, but its amount is not enough, and it must be supplied with food. The main natural, natural sources of lecithin: eggs, animal liver, nuts, soy.

With artificial, things can be quite different. Here are some disturbing yet unverified claims about soy lecithin:

But, despite all these alarming data, there is still no unequivocal evidence of the dangers of E322. The only officially recognized negative effect of E322 on the human body is the possibility of occurrence, because. artificial lecithin can accumulate in the tissues of our body.